'People of the Sturgeon' on Jan 16

Kathy Kline, one of the authors of People of the Sturgeon, a fascinating collection of stories and photos, will present a slide show on the history of the Lake Winnebago lake sturgeon at 6 p.m. Thursday, January 16, at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

From the Menominee Indians centuries ago to today’s spearers who flock to the annual sturgeon spearing season, people forever have been drawn to this ancient fish. It is the only population of sturgeon in the world to have been nearly destroyed then resurrected through a community-wide effort of people who are now joined together as People of the Sturgeon.

Kline is an education outreach specialist at the UW Sea Grant Institute, which supports research, education and outreach dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

The sturgeon program is part of the History at Home series that takes place at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month highlighting interesting stories and aspects of local and state history. Programs for 2014 include:

February 20: African Americans in Fond du Lac

March 20: The Wide-Awakes & the Election of 1860

April 17: 40 Acres and the Founding of Fond du Lac

All History at Home programs are free and open to the public. The program was initiated by a gift to the library from an anonymous donor who wished to promote the exploration of local history.